Ceramics Research Project

Topic choices: • Technology (including the history of the potters wheel, kilns, clay & glazes) • Early Ceramic Works (The Beginning of ceramics and the Neolithic Period 5000 – 2200 BCE) • Glaze history & Evolution • Types of Clay (Including where they can be found/mined around the world and what the differences between them are, when they are each used – why would you use one over the other, when each were discovered) • History of Ceramics in Asia (From the beginnings of clay in this area to now, the glazes used, the markings or designs on pots, the types of pots made – including shape and use, influences on their ceramic works – wars, invasions, trade routes, etc) • History of Ceramics in the Ancient Middle East (From the beginnings of clay in this area to now, the glazes used, the markings or designs on pots, the types of pots made – including shape and use, influences on their ceramic works – wars, invasions, trade routes, etc) • History of Ceramics during Classic Greek and Roman Periods (From the beginnings of clay in this area to now, the glazes used, the markings or designs on pots, the types of pots made – including shape and use, influences on their ceramic works – wars, invasions, trade routes, etc) • History of Ceramics in the Americas (From the beginnings of clay in this area to now, the glazes used, the markings or designs on pots, the types of pots made – including shape and use, influences on their ceramic works – wars, invasions, trade routes, etc) • Modern Ceramics • Other Applications for Ceramics (besides pots, mugs & bowls –industrial uses, other uses in ancient times)

Just like any other research paper that you do you will take notes and keep a bibliography. You will write up a short paper (2 -3 pages) on your findings on the topic you have chosen and you will present your findings to the class with visuals and a 1 page hand out (visuals, and information for the students, I will make copies). You will take notes on the other presentations given and once every group has gone you will be quizzed on what each group has presented.

Research effectively -Take notes, keep a bibliography • Writing effectively organize your ideas, sentence fluency, flow of thought through the paper Write a 2-3 page paper on your findings of your topic (typed, 12 font, times new roman font, double spaced, name on top right) • Presentation organization of content, presentation skills, use of media (hand out, examples using clay, etc) 10-15 minute presentation on your topic. Preliminary Research (done independently) Before going on the computer, looking in books, think about your topic and answer the questions below. What do I already know about this topic? What do I think I know about this topic? What am I curious to find out about this topic?

What questions do I have about this topic? What ideas do I have to display/present my topic? Begin your research. Use the questions below to help get you started on your research. What you find in your research is NOT limited to these questions, these are merely a jumping off point for you. What is the time period of your topic? Are their important groups, tribes, cultures or people found in your topic? What are some major changes that have gone on in the world to advance our knowledge of your topic? What are some major changes that went on in the world for the advancement of ceramics in your topic? What were the first ceramic forms made during your topic? How did your topic evolve over time?

The following information should be included: Name of culture or period in Art history (or movement) Relevant dates Where the culture or movement was (is) located (country, and cities, states, or provinces) Description of the ceramic work, including: Whether it was utilitarian, sculptural, decorative, etc. Forms the culture produced (ex. bowls, vases, relief sculpture, etc.) and their sizes How the forms are decorated (be as descriptive as possible) Technical information, such as the types of clay bodies and glazes used, firing temperature (or cones) of the work, type of firing (ex. oxidation, reduction, pit firing, raku, etc.) Include explanations of technical information that you did not previously know (ex. specialized type of firing). List and describe as many examples of the culture's ceramic forms as you can find. Include print-outs of visuals. List and describe as many examples of the culture's ceramic forms as you can find. Include print-outs of visuals. Influences of other cultures or artistic movements (or periods) on this culture's ceramics Symbolism in the forms and/or surface decoration Function or importance of the ceramics examples you found in that culture Why you like or dislike this culture's (or period's) ceramics (at least 2 reasons) Bibliography of sources, including web sites.